Edinburgh travel guide

Edinburgh, UK - Overview

The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is the second largest city of the country after Glasgow and the 7th largest in UK. Since 1437 it has remained the capital city of the country, displacing Scone and has earned the supreme distinction of being hailed as the Athens of the North. 

Located along the Firth of Forth region of the North Sea and boasting of a rugged topography broken by countless stone castles, Georgian and medieval architectures and a distinctly green cover, Edinburgh is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe.

The fact that Edinburgh has been crowned as the best place to live in United Kingdom is not a fluke. A multicultural cosmopolitan population, diverse cultural attractions, soothing and breath taking water bodies and lush green hills offering panoramic views of the whole city, historic buildings harking back to a mysterious chivalric age and dramatic contours testify to the monumental status bequeathed on the ancient and thrilling city of Edinburgh.

There are diverse year round small entertainment activities taking place in various venues across the city culminating in the grand Edinburgh carnival/Edinburgh International Festival in the months of August-September which is one of the must-sees and should not be missed at any cost. This is the busiest time of the year for Edinburgh Scots.

Edinburgh, with its numerous historical sites will make a history buff scream in glee. Edinburgh is steeped in a rich chivalric history that has left its indelible mark behind in the remnants of King Arthur’s Seat, the castle, a coxcomb of labyrinthine tunnels and dangerous dungeons deep below the earth which have the ability of piquing any man’s curiosity.

The mysterious old world charm of this Scottish city, replete with men in traditional Scottish kilts and bagpiper, the famous scotch whisky and fascinating folklore, myths and legends, cobbled streets, enchanting weather conditions, quaint cafés, sea food joints, architectural wonders has a romantic appeal which is unparalleled and which entices tourists year after year.

Edinburgh has virtually turned into a centre of pilgrimage for those millions of Sherlock Holmes die hard fans who want to catch a glimpse of his creator - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s home city. Even J.K. Rowling - author and creator of the multi-billion dollar minting Harry Potter series has set up base in Edinburgh.

Among the numerous attractions and places of interest in this Scottish capital are Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Royal Museum, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Scottish National Gallery Of Modern Art, National Gallery Of Scotland, The Museum Of Edinburgh, The Carson Clark Gallery, Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, National Library Of Scotland, John Knox House, Palace Of Holy Roodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, Royal College Of Surgeons.